The Global 30

A Closer Look:QSR has been reporting on the largest companies in the quick-service segment for nearly 15 years. But the QSR 50 only tells a portion of our industry’s story. Beyond our borders, there is a world of opportunity. Our readers recognize it, and this year’s Global 30 is QSR’s first foray into calculating just how large those opportunities are.

The Global 30 is meant to be a guide to international expansion for domestic companies looking to grow, as well as a directory of the world’s strongest brands for potential international franchisees looking to tap into a perfected system. Like our domestic list, the Global 30 ranks quick-serve and fast-casual companies by systemwide sales. For the international list, however, the sales are only from non-U.S. units, and the companies are all U.S.-based.

QSR estimate
# Domestic QSR 50 AUV
? Starbucks unit counts include both company and licensed stores
Notes: Systemwide sales and AUVs are based on 2010 financial results. Change in unit counts represents the change from 2009 to 2010. Data was compiled from a variety of sources.

Methodology: The data for the Global 30 was gathered between September 23 and December 1, 2011. All companies listed in the traditional QSR 50 (August 2011 issue) were asked to participate by completing an online form found on QSRmagazine.com. Missing data was researched and compiled using the most recent financial statement of the company. Estimates are made based on financial report research and domestic QSR 50 figures.